Marynia began to laugh. “Really, more people than I do. I made the acquaintance of the Osnovskis in Rome only.”
“But I lived so many years in Warsaw, and everything came to my ears. I was in the house apparently, but the world occupied me. So frivolous was I in those days! For that matter, thy present Pan Stas knew Pani Osnovski.”
“He told me so.”
“They met at public balls. At that time she was to marry Pan Kopovski. There were tears and despair, for her father opposed it. But she succeeded well, did she not? Pan Osnovski was always a very good man.”
“And to her he is the very best. But I did not know that she was to marry Kopovski; and that astonishes me, she is so intelligent.”
“Praise to God, she is happy, if she would think so! Happiness is a rare thing, and should be used well. I have learned now to look at the world quite impartially, as only those can who expect nothing for themselves from it; and knowest thou what comes more than once to my head? That happiness is like eyes,—any little mote, and at once tears will follow.”
Marynia laughed a little sadly, and said,—
“Oi! that’s a great truth.”
A moment of silence ensued; then Pani Emilia, looking attentively at Marynia, laid her transparent hand on her hand mildly, and asked,—
“But thou, Marynia, art happy, art thou not?”